Recently Purchase a Piaggio X9 500cc from a former scooter hobbiest/enthusiast. The scooter was in a condition to travel within the neighborhood, the travel from Bulacan to Manila, was a bit of a challenge.

The X9 suffered over-heating and the front brakes were jammed (during the evening travel the rotor discs were glowing red hot) The following day, work began on the X9 and the road to restoration began.

In case the FB link fails, I will continue to post pictures of the build. Again, any sort of input will be appreciated.

Vital parts were rusting, paint faded and inside the panels were tiny pebbles, mud, grass and a lot of spiders!

Photos of the build:(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401748843.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401748842.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401748841.jpg)

I owned an X9 Amalfi 180 also and, Lex is right, it is a very good scooter (except for the gauge cluster). I would suggest that you bring the scoot to 2211Works para matingnan ng magi. Good luck! Hope that you can bring it back to its full riding glory!

*Direkyey. Thanks for the advice, visited 2211 and purchased parts needed for the build from the usual maintenance replacement to the less important. I was able to speak with both Simon and Nani and its a wealth of information that is useful in the restoration process.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755282.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755284.jpg)View from below, the CVT cover is in good condition, the many years exposed to the elements faded the lower most exposed portion, while the rest of the lower area as seen is well corroded and deteriorated, some of the parts will have to be replaced others cleaned, painted or chromed.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755281.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755280.jpg)Both the side portion of the scoot and tank area are completely filled with dirt, mud, grass and each time we open a panel we have all sorts of insect jumping out from the nook and cranny of the scoot.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755283.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755312.jpg)We dismantled every part attached to the chassis, so that a detailed cleaning and painting of the frame and parts could be achieved (bringing the build to its what was mentioned "former glory" ) Work on the bike often extended to the unholy hours of the night.

It wasnt easy to remove the engine from the frame, we used a Cherry Picker to suspend the bike to allow a bit of leverage to remove the heavy bolts holding the two major parts.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755459.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755460.jpg)View of the uncovered CVT which will require replacement of belt and other parts.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755459.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755458.jpg)The engine unhook from the chassis and immediately we dismantled the engine to replace gaskets and seals. This also include check of all clearances/gaps.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755457.jpg)(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401755456.jpg)Essentially this is a backyard/garage project within the confines of my home. :-) I do not have any prior experience in working on bikes in this manner or scale, just relying on the years of racing and building race cars for both Slalom and Autocross. :-)

Thanks Yey, often I pray to God to give me patience...now would be a good time. :-)

*Lex. Yes, the scoot was flooded but this did not reach ECU, a visible waterline around the radiator gives us a more or less idea on what portions of the scoot were submerged in flood waters. It was my primary reason to strip the scoot done to its bare-bone to reveal rusted areas to be cleaned and painted. Thanks for the input, I removed the digital panel and filled the gaps with sealant, and will be extra careful with the gauge clusters.

To add little "bling" to the scoot, we decided to chrome particular parts (fully aware not to over-do or choose brittle parts for chroming).

Photos:

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401762167.jpg)Both the bar end and levers received chroming to accent the upper portion of the scoot.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401762166.jpg)Chromed were the sidestand and centerstand, this was more of a necessity, often times my pet dog wizzes on the wheels and stand. Painting would be a good option, except when the stands are retracted it exposes the awful contact pegs.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401762165.jpg)The Caliper brackets were also chromed to balance the over-all look of the bike. Tri-balance concept is to accent 3 major areas of the scoot, top, front and rear.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401762164.jpg)The rear shocks were replaced and its mounting brackets were chromed. The rims were also painted, and resulted in a bronze non-glossy finish. The scoot received a set of Pirelli Diablo. It was a bit of an eye-sore seeing the two tyres were of different brands and tread pattern.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401762163.jpg)View from the side, with the harness installed, most of the electrical were restored to its original form, except for a few mods. Replaced the high-tension wire with the MSD 8.8 and added a positive line powering both the headlights and Stebel Horn. As for the centerstand, we abandoned the old circuit and installed a separate system with active sensors. Press of button, this will instantly activate the hydraulic motor without the long wait and ofter times fails to stand the bike.

*James Bond. Thank you, will continue to update the thread and storyline. :-)

*Johos. The scoot was rescued in the nick of time, prior to the purchase, it was carrying sacks of rice and I think at one point, doubled as a tractor in the farm. When the bottom panel was removed it was laden with a lot of mud and grass.

Work continued on the scoot. After the curing period of both the epoxy and plastic primer, I continued with the layers of base paint.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816953.jpg)After the base color of coarse cosmic silver, this was layered with clear, then followed by the layers of Lime yellow with a pinch of green. The colors are custom not straight from the can, the hue was adjusted to meet my intended color.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816952.jpg)Layers of clear topcoat with silver dust were added and the layers were capped with pure clearcoat. Between coats were Dupont G2 and capped with the 3800 slow drying clear.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816951.jpg)This resulted to what appears to be both yellow and green at different angles of exposure to light. What you see here is the final capped layer of pure clear coat, without any sort of sanding.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816987.jpg)This is quick drying clear and is best between layers of color to give it depth. At one point prior to the pure clear, a bit of Lime yellow green was added to the clear coat then followed by the slow drying clear.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816950.jpg)For better appreciation of the process, prior to the layer of lime yellow/green, this was started with the base color of straight silver, then coarse cosmic silver. Finishing putty was applied to areas where indentations were found, then painted over with silver and this is a continuing cycle until we have clear and straight surface.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/401816949.jpg)The windscreen received several stages of sanding and buffing. (Photo of before the backache) :-)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000223.jpg)The old exhaust piping was severely damaged and because of the extensive mods of the engine we decided to use the Leo Vince SBK.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000222.jpg)View from the side is the cleaned, painted frame, and detailed engine. The hydraulic system was re-wired and made independent from the original harness except the safety sensors.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000221.jpg)Engine side. All hoses were replaced using high pressure hydraulic hoses and after market hose clamps. We completed all water lines (former owner disconnected the by-pass) water pump was replaced in the process.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000220.jpg)My mechanic continued the install of the body panels and gauges. The entire bike was suspended via the Cherry Picker until we completed the front suspension.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000219.jpg)All screws, bolts, nuts and the like were replaced with stainless steel, to ensure long term use and avoid corrosion.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000235.jpg)Closer view of the engine.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000231.jpg)Rear end. i ditched the old battery, and opted to use the Motolite 12 amps. Imarflex offered a 14 amps version, but had doubts in its storage capacity to power the hydraulic stand and additional load imposed by the headlights and horn.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000233.jpg)The battery was a good fit, a CM longer or higher then we will start cutting plastic. The harness was rerouted to a more secure location, away from possible water/elements exposure.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000254.jpg)The CVT cover received a change of color that is uniform to the rims and panels.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000253.jpg)Notice that the reflection remains flat despite the direct exposure to sunlight. Before we finalized the paint process, we flexed the CVT cover to make sure that the paint will not chip or crack. The final version, washing and constant wiping of the CVT will not cause the paint to loose its flat/mat finish.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402000255.jpg)... a work in progress. :-)

1. We installed a rear mud guard, similar to the Amalfi. The 500cc simply had rubber mats surrounding the tyre well, but this didnt keep mud from reaching the engine and other areas, making it difficult to clean. Since we couldnt get the Amalfi mud guard, we opted a less expensive way costing Php 150.oo by sourcing a mud guard from the SYM/Kymco. after several shaping and custom brackets, it was installed in a good fit, allowing a bottle cleaning brush to be inserted between the mud guard and tyre when cleaned.

2. Relay switches, coil and other electrical components found below the scoot were relocated to a higher portion of the scoot. It was alarming to find a connector of the harness just below the foot rest. Now this was relocated more to the side of the fuel tank and the connector was filled with silicon.

3. Its a bit of an eye-sore that my garage is cluttered with so many items from the useful and useless :-(

Project V. I'm so busted! :-) (Can't use the excuse, "must be someone else" I dont get to see X9s prowling the area except the ride of Simon which is colored black, and lime yellow is not a standard color for the X9s) :) Without choice confirms the sighting, I live within the area, just infront of Lourdes Hospital. If you happen to be in the area, please buzz me at 0927 531 03 47. :)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014341.jpg)I completely ditched the old seat design, including the leather and back rest. The seat needed to be updated and reflect true Italian design influence.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014345.jpg)Removing the back rest allowed a greater seating area for those long rides consisting of hundred or even thousand of kms. The wider seat area allow the "One cheek at a time" seating to avoid stiffness of the back and arshe. A portion of the foam was gutted to have a more uniform sinking when weight is applied, it was very much uncomfortable when the front end of the seat was pressing against my "family jewels" similar to a couch that carried weight in so many years that the middle portion sank in an uneven fashion.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014344.jpg)Wrinkly and perforated black leather was used joined by long stitched yellow thread. Beneath the sewn areas, this were layered by silicon to prevent water/moisture to enter the foam. The thread was soaked in Lime Yellow paint to match the color of the scoot.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014342.jpg)View of the entire side of the seat.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014354.jpg)A closer view of the CVT area, and the installed mud guard.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014358.jpg)Underneath the compartment is the mud guard, partially concealed by the scoot's panel.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014357.jpg)Chromed brackets and bolts holding the shocks further created point of interests to equally distribute in the 3 major areas of the scoot. due attention was given to the spindle nut to further emphasize the amount of micro work in obscure areas.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067880/402014363.jpg)A bit of top coat high-gloss clear on the plastic turn signals to compliment the panel's luster. Caveat on the type of thinner used to layer plastic, if too strong can melt the plastic to bits.

Fantastic restoration! Am sure that this will inspire others who have their own projects.

Thank you. I just hope my project can truly inspire restoration on scoots that really need reviving and provide an avenue for new ideas to further scooter builds, taking it beyond the traditional methods and appearances.

Your next SPA you can try BigBerts along Araneta Ave., or at Metrowalk, both branches I get to visit often. :-) Just let me know when you decide to go, and meet up. :-) its fun! and lots of exotics, my last visit an Aston Martin Vanquish was being detailed complete with body/car guard :-) fellow in white barong was looking over the car while it was being detailed (im sure it wasnt a driver unless drivers nowadays carry MP5s) :-)

The mud guard was purchased from the parts distribution/delearship of SYM/Kymco located along E Rodriquez near (Not so sure) Walter Mart. If your coming from Araneta Ave., and turned right at the intersection of E. Rodriquez, about 40 feet after the intersection take a left turn into a compound and towards the rear is the parts distribution. I bought two, (a spare in case during fabrication we destroy it beyond use :-) will search for it and as soon as it is found, you can pick it up at my place. :-)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589749.jpg)This was also taken at the Intramuros, and this time with the scoot of Morris. A trek around the metro, visiting restos with several decades of history, a taste separate from the usual fast food.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589748.jpg)Modern maxiscoot meets old Manila in Black and white. :)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589749.jpg)This was also taken at the Intramuros, and this time with the scoot of Morris. A trek around the metro, visiting restos with several decades of history, a taste separate from the usual fast food.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589748.jpg)Modern maxiscoot meets old Manila in Black and white. :)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589749.jpg)This was also taken at the Intramuros, and this time with the scoot of Morris. A trek around the metro, visiting restos with several decades of history, a taste separate from the usual fast food.

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1218/5587072/24067877/403589748.jpg)Modern maxiscoot meets old Manila in Black and white. :)

Agree. After a stressful week, there is really a need to unwind, so from time to time, we have short rides just around the metro. Nothing is planned, the word is "bahala na" :)

There are a lot of good sites to see in the metro, that are essentially accessible only via our scoots (unless one is willing to devote hours of travel in traffic) :) Hoping that next sortie we will have more folks who will join us. :)

Agree. After a stressful week, there is really a need to unwind, so from time to time, we have short rides just around the metro. Nothing is planned, the word is "bahala na" :)

There are a lot of good sites to see in the metro, that are essentially accessible only via our scoots (unless one is willing to devote hours of travel in traffic) :) Hoping that next sortie we will have more folks who will join us. :)